Three steps to making a professional transition with ease
on October 17, 2019 / by Preeti Khorana
Three steps to making a professional transition with ease
Career transitions are an inevitability in today’s world. Whether you have decided on a career change, or are currently seeking employment after a lay-off, know that you are in good company. Though you may feel anxious due to the uncertainty of what’s coming next, with it comes something truly positive: limitless possibilities.
Do you find yourself dreading the process, or discovering excitement? Your perspective plays a pivotal role in the outcome of your search. And a positive mindset can mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and settling for something unfulfilling.
But it’s not just thinking good thoughts that’ll bring you to your desired job opportunity. Like any good adventure there’s a process— in this case, a three-part process— that you can follow in your current job search, and any that might come up for you in the future.
STEP 1 – Get aligned
Most job search sites are equipped with fields for you to type in your desired job specifications: location, title, industry, etc. It’s likely that you won’t have to think too hard about these. You know where you live, you know what you do.
But have you ever allowed yourself to go deeper, and get more specific about the type of role that you want? For example, would you prefer to work in a skyscraper, or a small, home office? Do you want your workplace to have a cafeteria? To be in close proximity to food trucks? Do you want your business unit to be small or large? Do you want your boss to be attentive and hands-on, or do you prefer anonymity?
Even though you might not be able to fill in such specifications in a job search, you can keep them in your mind and your heart. Get very clear about what is most important to you, by writing down your ideal working situation in a notebook or a journal, and revisit them daily, prior to networking or applying for jobs.
Before you shoot this idea down, realize that the more your working conditions suit your unique personality, the more excited you will be to show up for work every day. The better job you will do for the organization you’re employed by. It is in everyone’s greatest interest that you find the job that is BEST suited for you.
Believe that what you want is out there and that you are worthy of receiving it. If this idea makes you a little bit uncomfortable, I recommend creating a folder of accolades— positive emails you’ve received, favorable reviews from past supervisors, or projects that you are particularly proud of. Recognize your accomplishments and unique gifts and use them as
fuel to get you to an organization that can make the best use of them
STEP 2 – Take action
Now that you are armed with the belief that you are a stellar candidate, and you know precisely what you are looking for, your job search should become far easier and a lot more fun.
Commit to taking action every single day. If you are aligned in your mission to find your dream job, this should come naturally. You should wake up every morning, excited to see what the world has to offer, and what you can offer to a new organization.
Use your inner creativity to go beyond job search sites. Make a list of dream companies that you would like to work for and reach out directly to them. Are there people beyond your professional network that might have any leads? Are you hanging out in the places where the type of people that you want to work with might be?
For example, if your dream is to work for a non-profit, are there any upcoming local events or fundraisers that you could volunteer to be a part of? If you want to work in the tech industry, scope out Facebook events or meetup.com for any upcoming gatherings? Your people are out there! Go find them.
STEP 3 – Repeat
It’s not just enough to apply to a job once, to have a single conversation, or to show up to one event. Remember your excitement. Remember that finding your ideal job is a process, and should be a fun and exciting journey.
Stay aligned, by re-reading your ideal job specifications daily. Reading mantras, practicing meditation, and finding gratitude for this season of life are all activities that will keep you on track.
When you are feeling confident about your abilities and you carry a belief that what you want is out there, it’ll naturally lead you to take the right kinds of actions. You’ll be inspired to follow up, check back in, search one more time, and to present yourself in the best possible light.
The journey to finding a new job can feel long and discouraging, but only if you choose to perceive it that way. Get clear about what you want, believe it’s yours, remind yourself of that truth and land exactly where you’re supposed to be.
About Michelle
Michelle is an entrepreneur + business coach who loves guiding fellow creatives in starting and growing successful businesses, through her site,
